The AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026 is a flagship scholarship scheme launched by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Ministry of Education, Government of India, to support differently-abled (PwD) students pursuing technical education. The scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in AICTE-approved diploma and degree institutions, helping them meet tuition fees and other educational expenses.
For the 2026–27 academic session, eligible students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) after completing One-Time Registration (OTR). The scholarship is available for students admitted to the first year of a technical diploma or degree course, or the second year through lateral entry in AICTE-approved institutions. Applications are generally open until 31 October 2026, subject to official notifications.
This guide explains everything about the AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026, including eligibility, scholarship amount, benefits, required documents, application process, renewal, and FAQs.
What is the AICTE Saksham Scholarship?
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship is a government-funded financial assistance scheme created to encourage students with disabilities to pursue technical education in India.
The objectives of the scheme are:
- Promote inclusive technical education.
- Provide financial support to differently-abled students.
- Reduce financial barriers to higher education.
- Encourage equal educational opportunities.
- Improve employability through technical education.
Benefits of AICTE Saksham Scholarship
Eligible students receive:
- ₹50,000 per year as financial assistance.
- Support for tuition fees and academic expenses.
- Assistance for books, laptops, software, stationery, and study materials.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account.
- Transparent online application process through NSP.
Scholarship Amount
Selected students receive:
- ₹50,000 per annum for every year of the approved course, subject to fulfillment of renewal conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should generally satisfy the following conditions:
- Be an Indian citizen.
- Be a differently-abled student with at least 40% disability, certified by a competent medical authority.
- Be admitted to the first year of an AICTE-approved diploma or degree course, or the second year through lateral entry.
- Be studying full-time in an AICTE-approved institution.
- Annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
- Admission should be through the prescribed admission process wherever applicable.
Eligible Courses
The scholarship is available for AICTE-approved technical courses, including:
- B.Tech / BE
- Diploma in Engineering
- B.Pharm
- Diploma in Pharmacy
- B.Arch
- MCA
- MBA (AICTE-approved programmes)
- Hotel Management
- Other AICTE-approved technical courses.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number
- Passport-size Photograph
- Disability Certificate (minimum 40%)
- Previous Qualifying Examination Marksheet
- Admission Letter
- Family Income Certificate
- Bank Passbook
- Fee Receipt
- Bonafide Certificate
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
Additional documents may be required during verification.
How to Apply Online for AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps:
Step 1
Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Step 2
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new applicant.
Step 3
Log in using your OTR ID.
Step 4
Select AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme for Specially Abled Students.
Step 5
Fill in:
- Personal Details
- Academic Details
- Disability Details
- Institution Details
- Bank Account Details
Step 6
Upload the required documents.
Step 7
Review all information carefully.
Step 8
Submit the application and download the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
Renewal Process
Students can renew the scholarship if they:
- Continue the approved technical course.
- Are promoted to the next academic year.
- Maintain satisfactory academic performance.
- Submit the renewal application within the prescribed timeline.
How to Check Application Status
Follow these steps:
- Log in to the National Scholarship Portal.
- Click Track Application Status.
- Enter your login credentials.
- View your application, verification, and payment status.
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
Applications may be rejected because of:
- Disability certificate below the prescribed requirement.
- Annual family income exceeding ₹8 lakh.
- Admission to a non-AICTE-approved institution.
- Incorrect or incomplete application.
- Missing mandatory documents.
- Incorrect bank account details.
- Duplicate applications.
- Failure during document verification.
Important Tips
Before applying:
- Complete OTR registration before applying.
- Ensure your institution is AICTE-approved.
- Keep a valid disability certificate ready.
- Ensure Aadhaar is linked with your bank account.
- Upload clear and valid documents.
- Verify all details before final submission.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Save your application number for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the AICTE Saksham Scholarship?
Differently-abled students with at least 40% disability, admitted to AICTE-approved technical diploma or degree courses, and meeting the income criteria can apply.
What is the scholarship amount?
Eligible students receive ₹50,000 per year to support their educational expenses.
What is the family income limit?
The annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh from all sources.
Is One-Time Registration (OTR) mandatory?
Yes. Fresh applicants must complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the National Scholarship Portal before applying.
Can the scholarship be renewed?
Yes. Students can renew the scholarship every academic year if they meet the prescribed academic and continuation requirements.
Conclusion
The AICTE Saksham Scholarship 2026 is an important initiative that promotes inclusive technical education by providing financial support to differently-abled students. With ₹50,000 per year in scholarship assistance, the scheme helps eligible students pursue diploma and degree programmes in AICTE-approved institutions without significant financial burden. Students should complete their OTR registration, prepare all required documents, and submit their applications through the National Scholarship Portal before the deadline.
